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CINCINNATI -- The University of Cincinnati baseball team couldn't get its offense going on Friday night in the series opener against Tulane, falling 4-0 at Marge Schott Stadium. The Bearcats faced a pitcher in Corey Merrill who had a 2.06 ERA entering the game and allowed only three hits with eight strikeouts in the contest.
Senior Ryan Atkinson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain) battled on the mound, giving the Bearcats a much-needed seven innings of work to save the bullpen for the remainder of the weekend. Atkinson pitched 148 pitches with a season-high nine strikeouts for UC.
// NOTABLES
- With the loss, Cincinnati drops to 13-28 and 4-9 in the American Athletic Conference while Tulane improves to 25-16 and 6-7.
- Atkinson (3-5) was handed the loss and Merrill (3-3) earned the victory.
- Head coach Ty Neal penciled four freshmen into the starting lineup and has started at least four youngsters in each game this season. Freshmen Ryan Noda (Volo, Ill./Grant) and Manny Rodriguez (Brooklyn, N.Y./Calvert Hall) have started every game for UC.
- Junior Ian Happ (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt Lebanon) was walked twice against the Green Wave, tying Matt Primack (1993-96) for fifth all time at Cincinnati with 117 walks. He needs one more to tie Chris Peters for fourth with 118. Happ has totaled 38 walks in 41 games this season to lead the American Athletic Conference and rank 15th nationally.
- Junior Woody Wallace (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) recorded his fourth double of season with a shot to deep right center in the third inning.
- Freshman Ryan Noda (Volo, Ill./Grant) reached first base on a walk in the first inning. The freshman has walked in four straight games marking his longest streak of the season.
// KEY INNINGS
Top of the Third
With runners on second and third Hunter Williams's single to center brought home the first two runs for Tulane. A UC fielding error on the play also allowed Williams to score to give the Green Wave a 3-0 lead.
Bottom of the Third
Wallace led the inning with a double to right center but was stranded at third following a sacrifice bunt, a lineout and a groundout.
Top of the Seventh
Two singles and a walk allowed by Atkinson loaded the bases with only one out for Tulane, but the senior responded with consecutive strikeouts to get out the jam and keep hope alive for the Bearcats.
Top of the Ninth
The final Tulane run came home in the ninth when the third UC fielding error of the day scored Nico Symington from third base.
// UP NEXT
The Bearcats and the Green Wave continue their series on Saturday with a 6 p.m. first pitch from Marge Schott Stadium.
Sunday will represent the Bearcats' Vs. Cancer day. All season the team has been raising money for the Vs. Cancer Foundation to fight childhood cancer and all players will shave their heads following the game in support of the organization. The Bearcats are close to reaching their goal of $10,000 raised and fans can contribute to the cause by donating here.
// FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all of the latest information on Cincinnati baseball, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up to the minute updates, follow Cincinnati baseball (@UCincyBaseball) and Coach Neal (@Ty_Neal_UC) on twitter. You can also find the Bearcats on Facebook.
// TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets for all 23 home matches can be purchased for as little $10. For more information, visit GoBEARCATS.com/tickets or call 1-877-CATS-TIX.
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